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Allergy,
Asthma & Respiratory
Allergy
Testing
This panel of tests measures sensitivities to 10 different allergens. These
include both environmental and food allergens. The test is performed on a finger
stick sample by a fully accredited allergy laboratory. Results are available
by mail in 10-15 business days.
Spirometry
FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) and FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume) are performed
using a spirometer. Lung capacity is based on many factors including, but
not limited to: height, weight and sex. FVC measures the total amount of
air that a participant can exhale and the FEV1 measures the amount of air
in the first second of an explosive exhale. These tests can be used to
screen for restrictive and obstructive conditions.
Total
Cholesterol
High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease.
When there is too much cholesterol (a fat-like substance) in your blood, it
builds up in the walls of your arteries. Over time, this buildup causes the
arteries to become narrowed and blood flow to the heart is slowed down or blocked.
Since this is already stored in your body it is not necessary to fast for this
test. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) for this test using the Cholestech
LDX is 2-3%.
HDL
Cholesterol
High Density
Lipoprotein is considered the “good cholesterol” because
it helps to prevent cholesterol buildup and blockage of the arteries.
Since this is already stored in your body it is not necessary
to fast for this
test. The CV using the LDX is 3-6%.
LDL
Cholesterol
Low Density
Lipoprotein is considered “bad” cholesterol
and is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage
in your arteries. Because
this is calculated (Friderwald equation) using Triglyceride values, fasting
is recommended for this test. The CV using the LDX is 4-6%
C
- Reactive Protein
The high sensitivity CRP test is a predictor of first and recurring cardiovascular
events. CRP is a measure of low-level inflammation in the body. Studies have
shown that an elevated value is an excellent marker of plaque (buildup in arteries)
instability. It has been recommended that CRP, in conjunction with standard
lipid testing, improves the accuracy of cardiovascular risk prediction.
Triglycerides
This is another
form of fat in the blood. When testing triglycerides in your
blood, fasting is recommended. The CV using the LDX is 2-4%.
Blood
Pressure
Hypertension may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A blood pressure
reading is easily done and non-invasive. However, it should be noted that a
single blood pressure reading is not diagnostic and should be followed with
additional blood pressure readings and possibly other tests.
Microalbumin
This 30-second urine test measures very small levels of protein (albumin) in
the urine. One of the most common clinical signs of kidney dysfunction is the
presence of excessive amounts of protein in the urine. By identifying the presence
of small amounts of protein, microalbumin gives the patient a head start in
identifying related clinical conditions. Co-morbidity issues link the presence
of microalbumin with increased risk for hypertension, diabetes, renal problems
and cardiovascular disease. This is a simple, non-invasive and fast test that
can help to ascertain the conditions of pre-hypertension and pre-diabetes.
Body
Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a calculation
that assumes for any height there is a weight that corresponds
to better health. This calculation is often used in conjunction with cardiovascular
programs but can also be used as an educational tool for other chronic
illnesses.
Glucose
Blood sugar is used to screen for diabetes and to monitor diagnosed diabetics.
Tests can be done while fasting or post-prandial (after eating). High levels
of glucose may present a need for follow-up testing. Significantly abnormal
levels may be life-threatening. Diagnosed diabetics may be required to
check their blood glucose levels frequently to see how their diabetes is
being controlled (glycemic control) over a period of a few hours.
Hemoglobin
A1c (HbA1c)
Hemoglobin A1c measures the amount of blood glucose chemically attached (Glycated)
to your red blood cells. The HbA1c result reflects your average blood glucose
level for the previous 2-3 months. This measure of glycemic control is necessary
for all diagnosed diabetics. Other names for this test include
glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) or glycohemoglobin.
Renal
Function Tests
This panel of tests uses blood from a venipuncture (blood drawn from the arm).
The tests are useful in detecting and/or monitoring changes due to various
types of chronic illnesses, including diabetes. The panel of tests can include
Alkaline, Albumin, ALT, AST, Total Bilirubin, BUN, Calcium, Creatinine, Electrolytes
(Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, CO2), Glucose, Phosphatase, Phosphorus, Total
Protein, and more. Results are available by mail in 10-15 business days.
Microalbumin
This 30-second urine test measures very small levels of protein (albumin) in
the urine. One of the most common clinical signs of kidney dysfunction is the
presence of excessive amounts of protein in the urine. By identifying the presence
of small amounts of protein, microalbumin gives the patient a head start in
identifying related clinical conditions. Co-morbidity issues link the presence
of microalbumin with increased risk for hypertension, diabetes, renal problems
and cardiovascular disease. This is a simple, non-invasive and fast test that
can help to ascertain the conditions of pre-hypertension and pre-diabetes.
Contrast
Sensitivity
This vision test evaluates the ability to see well under a variety of different
lighting conditions, e.g. computer monitors, high glare, bright lights and
low contrast environments. Poor performance in this test can alert the physician
to look for related clinical conditions.
H.
Pylori
Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium with a connection
to ulcers. Studies have shown that H. Pylori was
present in most confirmed cases of duodenal ulcers, gastric
ulcers and gastritis. This simple test may offer the clinician
a simple treatment plan of antibiotic therapy. Applicable
symptoms include upper gastrointestinal issues, including
persistent burning. An estimated 25% of the US adult population
is believed to be infected with the bacterium.
Fecal
Occult Blood Testing (FOBT)
FOBT is a simple test to check for hidden blood in the stool (feces). At times,
a pre-cancerous polyp may bleed and FOBT can be used to confirm even the smallest
amount of blood in the stool that would otherwise go undetected. If blood in
the stool is confirmed, further diagnostic tests are necessary to establish
the cause of the bleeding.
Renal
Function Tests
This
panel of tests uses blood from a venipuncture (blood
drawn from the arm). The tests are useful in detecting
and/or monitoring changes due to various
types of chronic illness, including diabetes. The panel of tests
can include Alkaline, Albumin, ALT, AST, Total
Bilirubin, BUN, Calcium, Creatinine, Electrolytes
(Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, CO2), Glucose, Phosphatase, Phosphorus,
Total
Protein, and more. Results are available by mail in 10-15 business
days.
Microalbumin
This 30-second urine test measures very small levels of protein (albumin) in
the urine. One of the most common clinical signs of kidney dysfunction
is the presence of excessive amounts of protein in the urine. By identifying
the presence of small amounts of protein, microalbumin gives the patient
a head start in identifying related clinical conditions. Co-morbidity issues
link the presence of microalbumin with increased risk for hypertension,
diabetes, renal problems and cardiovascular disease. This is a simple,
non-invasive and fast test that can help to ascertain the conditions of
pre-hypertension and pre-diabetes.
Skin
Damage
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. There are over one million cases
of skin cancer diagnosed annually. Since 1973, the mortality rate for melanoma
has increased by about 44%. With careful inspection of the skin most skin cancers
can be detected early and treated successfully. The skin cancer program helps
participants begin to recognize the danger of exposure to the sun, identify
areas of concern and begin a dialogue with their health care provider.
Bone
Density
Ultrasound is used to measure bone density by calculating the speed with which
sound passes through the bone. Bone density is reported in a T-Score which
should be measured as a baseline and then compared over time. Higher risk for
osteoporosis is seen in postmenopausal women, Caucasians and Asians, small-framed
women, smokers and those with a family history.
Thyroid
Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Testing
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is a test for thyroid function. Fourteen percent
of women over 45 have some form of thyroid dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism
is the most prevalent thyroid disease. Symptoms can be very non-specific, e.g.
weight gain, thinning hair, brittle nails, dry skin, memory loss and more.
Due to the nature of these complaints many people attribute them to aging.
If TSH is elevated it can be an indicator of primary hypothyroidism. Affected
individuals are advised to see their primary care physician for further investigation.
Prostate
Specific Antigen (PSA)
PSA is a protein that the prostate gland normally secretes in small amounts.
It has been found that the concentration of this protein is predictive of prostate
cancer. The PSA level helps to determine whether the probability of prostate
cancer is high enough to warrant performing a biopsy of the prostate gland.
Contrast
Sensitivity
This
vision test evaluates the ability to see well
under a variety of different lighting conditions,
e.g. computer monitors, high glare, bright
lights and
low contrast environments. Poor performance in this test
can alert the physician to look for related
clinical conditions.
Visual
Field Testing
This vision test will evaluate the broader field of vision, signs of glaucoma
and other possible neurological abnormalities.
Body
Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a calculation that assumes for any height there is a weight that corresponds
to better health. This calculation is often used in conjunction with cardiovascular
programs but can also be used as an educational tool for other chronic illnesses.
Nicotine
Dependency
This
electronic test can be used on site at a health
fair or as a web-based tool to measure a patient’s level of nicotine dependency. This level
can have a direct effect on a patient’s success rate when quitting
smoking.
This
information is presented as a quick overview of the tests that Impact
Health offers and their application in health and wellness promotion.
This is not intended to be all-inclusive or diagnostic. Those at risk
will be advised to see their personal physician or another healthcare
professional.
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